A new Resident Engagement Network for Ireland

Resident Engagement Coordinator, Laura Killalea works closely with residents and staff to facilitate the development of structures that enable residents to participate in and influence the decision-making processes that affect their lives – both in the services that they receive from Clúid and Clann, and in the development of their communities. Earlier this year, Laura joined forces with her counterparts in a number of Approved Housing Bodies (AHB’s) to establish a Resident Engagement Network in the Republic of Ireland.

Laura explains how this network came about; “Following a tenant participation course last year delivered by Supporting Communities, an independent charitable organisation that champions tenant and community participation, a few of us from the different organisations that attended felt there was a need for a resident engagement network. Resident Engagement is an emerging area of work in the Republic of Ireland, with most AHB’s only having one staff member in this role. We felt a network would be a great support and knowledge sharing platform for us to learn and develop our skills.

“The network, made up of Fold Housing, Circle, Co-Operative Housing, Tuath and ourselves met virtually in February of this year. We are working to establish a purpose and are dedicated to ensuring our collaboration will bring about positive change and increase the impact of resident engagement across the country.

“We are also delighted that the Housing Alliance will use this Network to assist them in their efforts to develop the resident voice across the sector.”

The first official meeting took place in the Tuath offices where we discussed Clúid’s national resident advisory groups, NRAG and CRAG, got updates from the Housing Alliance and their work plan, considered the structure and remit of the group, and resident group funding. Clúid are delighted with the benefit that the network is already bringing to the organisation and resident groups.

Laura continued “I am really looking forward to continuing with this Network and am keen to see the impact it will have on resident engagement across the sector.”